sport news Russia demands UEFA BAN Ukraine national football coach Oleksandr Petrakov trends now

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Russia's football federation has demanded the manager of Ukraine's national team is banned after he expressed a willingness to fight Vladimir Putin's invading armies.

Oleksandr Petrakov, 65, told the Guardian back in April that 'if they come to Kyiv, I will pick up a weapon and defend my city', adding 'I think I could take two or three enemies out.'

Now the Football Union of Russia [FUR] has written to UEFA accusing Petrakov of discriminating against their countrymen and failing to remain politically neutral, calling on him to be sanctioned. 

As reported by The Guardian, the FUR deputy secretary general Denis Rogachev has accused Petrakov of breaching codes of conduct by calling for Russia to be banned from international sport.

Petrakov did attempt to join Ukraine's territorial defence forces when Russia invaded the country back in February but was advised against it because of his age and lack of military experience.

He conducted himself with immense dignity when Ukraine participated in play-off for the Qatar World Cup back in June. They defeated Scotland but saw their hopes of qualification ended by Wales.